Playing your instrument is the major part of the course. You will be given weekly lessons in your main subject. Every student will also receive two years of harpsichord lessons to learn to accompany (in the basso continuo style) and to learn (simple) solo repertoire.
In addition to individual lessons, you will also be given theory lessons, coaching, group lessons and ensemble lessons. Performing is taught as a separate subject. During the ensemble lessons, the project weeks and the masterclasses you will put historical performance into practice, often devoting full attention to a specific style period. Projects, short courses and masterclasses are generally concluded with a concert with your fellow students.
More about the study programme
You can choose from the following main subjects:
• String instruments: Baroque violin, baroque viola, baroque cello, viola da gamba and violone
• Wind instruments: Recorder, baroque oboe, traverso, sackbutt, baroque bassoon and dulcian
• Harpsichord
In addition to your main subject - from the second year onwards - you can choose an optional subject within the instruments of your department. You then have to arrange your own accompaniment, as you will not be receiving any co-rehearsal lessons in that case.
Each year, a number of projects are carried out. It is in the project weeks that you will learn a great deal on a specific subject. The main focus will be on composers or a particular style period. For the chamber music project, you will receive extra coaching with the ensemble. In the baroque orchestra you will practice other musical skills. Masterclasses, workshops, lectures, chamber music and the baroque orchestra are regular elements. Guest teachers and teachers from Utrechts Conservatorium provide the teaching for this carefully compiled annual programme.
Talented students who play an instrument and would like to become professional musicians. You want to be the best in your discipline and are therefore critical of yourself, if needed. To grow as a musician you are keen to learn and are open to the experiences of others.
Music is a means of communication and you want to communicate. You share your love of music with your audience during concerts, with your fellow musicians in workshops and during lessons with your pupils. In rehearsals with your ensemble you seek the best-sounding result. And you compile an interesting programme for your concert’s future audience.
It may not always be easy to earn a living in music, but you are certain that you want to become a musician.
Utrechts Conservatorium maintains regular contact with graduates and players in the professional world. The course is therefore geared closely to professional practice. 80% of graduates can make a living as a professional musician, often with a combination of performances and teaching.
A relatively high number of graduates from Utrechts Conservatorium work for Dutch orchestras. There is increasing call for performances combining music and other art forms (theatre, literature, education, cross-over). This broadens musicians’ field of work.
The teachers are renowned musicians with great commitment to their students and one another. This contributes to the highly positive atmosphere. The Early Instruments department is a relatively small part of Utrechts Conservatorium. You will therefore often come across one another and get to know each other quickly. This makes it easy to form ensembles, exchange experiences and inspire one another. You will soon enjoy the benefits!
The many ensemble activities, projects, regular demonstrations and close cooperation with numerous venues make this a good preparatory course for a professional career.
For more information about this course, please contact Marijke Arnold, tutor Bachelor of Music: info@ssc.hku.nl or ** 31 – 30 – 231 40 44.
For further information on this course, you can visit the open day or contact the department coordinator, Gerdien Tanja, on +31 (0) 30 23 14 044 or email info@ssc.hku.nl
